THE YEC IS THE RIGHT PLACE TO …
Step into the real world of business. Through NEVER ESTABLISHED, IB students launch and run their own fashion micro-brand, gaining hands-on experience in marketing, sales, design, and finance – all while fulfilling CAS. It’s creative, competitive, and global – a chance to build 21st-century skills, confidence, and something you can be truly proud of.
This isn’t just another school project – this is your shot at building something real. With NEVER ESTABLISHED, you and your team will launch your own fashion brand, compete with other IB students across the globe, and prove what you’re capable of – for real customers, real sales, and real recognition. It’s business, creativity, and hype all in one. You’ll learn skills they don’t teach in textbooks – and walk away with more than CAS hours. Miss this, and you’ll miss the chance to boost your CV.
Students run a micro fashion brand from the ground up – gaining hands-on experience in marketing, sales, design, and customer engagement.
Work in teams, compete with peers from IB schools worldwide, and gain a sense of purpose through healthy competition and global exposure.
Develop financial literacy, branding, storytelling, digital marketing, creative problem-solving, and leadership – all through doing, not just studying.
A meaningful and exciting way to fulfill Creativity, Activity, and Service hours, with built-in reflection, impact, and personal growth.
This isn’t just another school project – it’s a real business journey you can proudly feature on your CV.
Each team member will receive a certificate of participation at the end.
As a team member of your local YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS CLUB, you’ll gain hands-on experience that sets you apart when applying to universities, internships, or jobs. It proves you’re not just learning business – you’re doing it.
REQUIREMENTS
Team & Commitment
Each business team should consist of at least 4 students. However, even if a single student wants to take on the challenge alone, that’s fine with us.
Students are expected to remain involved from launch to final reporting.
Each member must take full responsibility of at least one key area (e.g. in the fields of marketing, finance, design, logistics, strategy, leadership).
POSITIONS:
- Managing Director
- Product Development
- Website Management
- Marketing / Sales
OPTIONAL POSITIONS:
- Finance
- Human Resources
- Head of Department / Board of Directors
- …
In big teams (approx. 15+ students) each department should have a leadership position. Those Heads of [DEPARTMENT] build the board of the local YOUNG ENTREPRENEURS CLUB.
Each team has to create and send in an organigram to show the structure/responsibilities of the business team.
Teams should hold regular (at least weekly) meetings to coordinate tasks and progress.
Every student must demonstrate collaboration, communication, and conflict-resolution skills.
Project Execution
Each team must develop a clear, original brand identity within the NEVER ESTABLISHED framework.
Each team must meet the official “drop” deadline for the sales phase.
Students must respond to customer questions and ensure a professional appearance of their store.
All official platforms (online shop, feedback system) must be used according to the guidelines.
Students must stay within the ethical, legal, and brand-safe boundaries set by the program and their school.
You can find the complete Corporate Identity Guidelines HERE.
Additionally: School CI Guidelines
Visibility & Marketing
Each team must run at least one online campaign (e.g. social media or email).
Teams are encouraged to post engaging content regularly (e.g. reels, stories, testimonials).
Each team must prepare a final brand presentation (One-Pager) and business report for the competition judging.
Learning & Reflection
Students are expected to attend and engage in scheduled lessons (live or recorded) or coaching.
Each student must reflect on their personal learning journey in line with CAS requirements (including creativity, activity, and service).
Students should embrace challenges and seek creative solutions – resilience is part of the learning.
Professionalism & Ethics
Behavior during all project-related activities must reflect the school’s code of conduct.
Students are responsible for their actions, deadlines, and communication – this is a real business simulation.